Briefs – July 17

Published Jul 17, 2013 at 7:01 am
(Updated Jul 12, 2013 at 4:12 pm)

Salvation Army sending students back to school in style

Thanks to Mt. Lebanon schools, Model Cleaners and South Hills Beauty Academy, South Hills’ school kids from Mt. Washington to Library, will be going back to school in style. On Aug. 17, The Salvation Army Pittsburgh Temple Corps Worship and Service Center will host a special event at its 1060 McNeilly Road facility.

Registered children will receive free like-new backpacks filled with school supplies and complementary haircuts. “Our Advisory Board had the idea to ask the Mt. Lebanon School District to do a backpack collection and all 10 schools participated,” said Major Paul Moore, Salvation Army Pittsburgh Temple Corps Worship and Service Center Commanding Officer. “Model Cleaners graciously agreed to clean the donated packs at no charge. And, South Hills Beauty Academy has a history of serving our families in need. It is a win/win for everyone.”

Applications will be accepted until Aug. 9 by Mary Anne G. McFeely, MSW, Pittsburgh Temple Corps Worship and Service Center Social Services director at 412-207-2127 or MaryAnne_McFeely@use.salvationarmy.org. School-age children from preschool through grade 12 who reside in the South Hills area are welcome.

Videos aim to educate Pennsylvanians on pedestrian safety

PennDOT has produced four new videos aimed at educating children, motorists and parents about pedestrian safety.

Each video targets different audiences at various stages of learning pedestrian safety or driving near pedestrians. The videos are intended primarily for parents of elementary school students, elementary-school students, middle-school students and young or first-time drivers.

The videos for elementary- and middle-school students explain walking signals and scenarios, stress safe walking behaviors and reinforce who should accompany them. The video for parents demonstrates walking safety and emphasizes the importance of modeling safe behaviors for their children. Younger drivers are shown that with their driving freedom comes the responsibility of watching for travelers of all types, especially in school zones.

PennDOT data shows that in the past five years, there were 4,558 pedestrian injuries and 743 pedestrians lost their lives in Pennsylvania traffic crashes. In that same time period, there were 22,144 reported crashes involving pedestrians.

Thyroid cancer survivors sought

The Butterfly Bandits is looking for thyroid cancer survivors to participate in the butterfly release dedication at PNC Park on Sept. 15.

On that day, the Pittsburgh Pirates will hold a Thyroid Cancer Awareness Fundraiser: Tailgate and Cheer for a Cure to support research and bring awareness to the disease. Email chris.butterflybandits@gmail.com for details.